Urolithin A exerts antiobesity effects through enhancing adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice.

Obesity leads to multiple health problems, including diabetes, fatty liver, and even cancer. Here, we report that urolithin A (UA), a gut-microflora-derived metabolite of pomegranate ellagitannins (ETs), prevents diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunctions in mice without causing adverse effects. UA treatment increases energy expenditure (EE) by enhancing thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and inducing browning of white adipose tissue (WAT).

Mitochondrial aconitase controls adipogenesis through mediation of cellular ATP production.

Mitochondrial aconitase (Aco2) catalyzes the conversion of citrate to isocitrate in the TCA cycle, which produces NADH and FADH2, driving synthesis of ATP through OXPHOS. In this study, to explore the relationship between adipogenesis and mitochondrial energy metabolism, we hypothesize that Aco2 may play a key role in the lipid synthesis. Here, we show that overexpression of Aco2 in 3T3-L1 cells significantly increased lipogenesis and adipogenesis, accompanied by elevated mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production.

Isorhapontigenin Improves Diabetes in Mice via Regulating the Activity and Stability of PPARγ in Adipocytes.

Isorhapontigenin is a natural bioactive stilbene isolated from various plants and fruits. It has been reported to exhibit several physiological activities including anticancer and anti-inflammation activity in vitro and in experimental animal models. This study aimed to investigate whether isorhapontigenin exerts antidiabetic effects in vivo.

A Potential Nutraceutical Candidate Lactucin Inhibits Adipogenesis through Downregulation of JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway-Mediated Mitotic Clonal Expansion.

The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically worldwide in the past ~50 years. Searching for safe and effective anti-obesity strategies are urgently needed. Lactucin, a plant-derived natural small molecule, is known for anti-malaria and anti-hyperalgesia.

Determination of genetic effects of on important growth traits in beef cattle.

Serine protease inhibitor protein 3 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3, ) is a member of the serpin superfamily, probably related to the yield and quality of muscle. This study focuses on the relationship between gene polymorphism and growth traits in beef cattle. The study first uses sequencing pooled DNA samples (Pool-Seq), PCR-RFLP and Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR techniques to determine the genetic polymorphisms of SERPINA3 in 765 beef cattle.

Novel copy number variation of the KLF3 gene is associated with growth traits in beef cattle.

Copy number variation (CNV) related to complex traits, such as disease and quantitative phenotype, is considered an important and wealthy source of genetic and phenotypic diversity. It suggests that the copy number variation of function gene maybe leads to the phenotypic changes. Kupple like factor 3 (KLF3) gene is a vital transcription factor associated with the growth and development of muscle and adipose tissue.

Relationship between insulin A chain regions and insulin biological activities.

AIM:To study the relationship between insulin A chain regions and insulin biological activities, we designed a series of insulin analogues with changes at A21, A12-18 of C terminal helical region and A8-10 located in the region of A6-A11 intra-chain disulphide bond.METHODS:Insulin A-chain analogues were prepared by stepwise Fmoc solid phase manual synthesis and then combined with natural B-chain of porcine insulin to yield corresponding insulin analogues. Their biological activities were tested by receptor binding, mouse convulsion and immunological assay.